Morning sunlight once again touched the Academy's marble spires, gilding their peaks with gold.
It had been several days since the quiet yet infamous meeting between the Crown Prince and Seraphina in the courtyard. Rumors had spread like wildfire—fueled not by scandal, but curiosity.
"They say the Prince apologized to her."
"Impossible. The Crown Prince bowing to someone?"
"No, I saw it! He even greeted her first!"
No one knew the truth, of course, and Seraphina did little to clarify it.
She walked through the hall with that same poised indifference, the echo of her heels a steady rhythm against polished floors. Her uniform remained pristine, her silver hair a cool cascade of control.
Lucien walked beside her, spinning his pen lazily between fingers. "You've become the academy's favorite topic again. I'm almost jealous."
"You like the attention," she replied.
He smiled. "You wound me. I only enjoy it when I'm earning money from it."
That wasn't entirely a joke — Lucien had already turned gossip into business. Information, favors, and trades between noble heirs flowed through him like coin through a banker's hands.
By the time they entered the lecture hall, whispers already rippled through the air.
Seraphina took her usual seat near the front — reserved for top students — while Lucien lounged two rows back, surrounded by girls pretending not to stare.
The class began, a droning lecture on inter-kingdom diplomacy, but the noise soon dimmed when the professor cleared his throat.
"Before we begin the debate, I'd like to introduce a new student."
Every head turned.
From the doorway stepped a young woman with short, obsidian hair and eyes like cut sapphire. Her uniform was neatly pressed, but there was something restrained about her — like a blade hidden in silk.
"This is Aria Valen," the professor continued. "Transferred from the Western Isles. She will be joining the advanced division."
A murmur passed through the room. Few students came from the Western Isles — their people were known for naval strength, not noble academies.
Aria bowed lightly. "It's an honor to be here."
Lucien's eyes sparkled. "Interesting."
Seraphina didn't respond, but her gaze lingered for half a second longer than usual.
---
After class, Aria gathered her books quickly, clearly intending to avoid the curious crowd that swarmed new arrivals. But as she turned the corner toward the courtyard, she nearly collided with someone.
Her books scattered.
"Apologies—" she began, then froze.
Seraphina stood before her, calm and still as ice.
"No harm done," the duchess's daughter said, kneeling slightly to pick up one of the fallen books. "Aria Valen, was it?"
Aria blinked, caught off guard by the gentle tone. "Y-Yes, my lady."
"You're from the Isles?"
"Yes, Your Grace. My father is a naval commander. I was sent here to… broaden my education."
A faint smile tugged at Seraphina's lips. "How diligent."
Something about her composure unnerved Aria — not because it was threatening, but because it was effortless. Everything about Seraphina d'Altaire felt measured, like a melody that never missed a note.
Lucien appeared then, hands in his pockets. "Making new friends already, sister?"
"Acquaintance," Seraphina corrected.
Lucien grinned at Aria. "Then allow me to offer a warmer welcome. You'll find this academy far more treacherous than the sea."
Aria gave a polite smile. "I'll keep that in mind."
Seraphina straightened, brushing a strand of silver hair back. "Come to the library later, Miss Valen. I'd like to see how a student from the Isles handles strategy."
Aria blinked again. "Of course."
And just like that, Seraphina walked away, her brother trailing lazily behind.
Aria stood frozen for a moment, wondering if she'd just been invited… or challenged.
---
The Imperial Academy's grand library was more cathedral than study hall. Columns of marble soared high above, and enchanted lamps floated among endless rows of books.
When Aria arrived, Seraphina was already seated at a long table near the window, sunlight glinting off the silver clasp at her collar.
"I thought you might not come," Seraphina said without looking up.
"I don't run from challenges," Aria replied.
That earned a faint smirk.
Lucien leaned against a nearby shelf, flipping through a ledger. "We'll see about that. The topic is diplomacy. You have ten minutes to counter my sister's argument."
Aria's brows furrowed. "You planned this."
"Of course," Lucien said. "We like to know what kind of people surround us."
For the next half-hour, their voices rose and fell in rhythmic cadence — logic clashing like blades, every word sharp but respectful. Aria argued with precision, matching Seraphina's calm ferocity point for point.
When it ended, silence settled between them.
Lucien whistled low. "Impressive. Most students don't last five minutes."
Aria exhaled slowly. "I'm not most students."
Seraphina's gaze softened — only slightly. "No, you're not."
Their eyes met, and something quiet passed between them — respect, curiosity, perhaps something more dangerous.
Lucien saw it and smiled faintly. "Oh, this will be entertaining."
---
Meanwhile, Adrian and Elara walked through the garden paths outside the library.
The prince held a book under his arm — "On the Ethics of Leadership" — and his expression was far gentler than it had been weeks ago.
"You've changed, Your Highness," Elara said softly.
"Perhaps," he admitted. "Or maybe I've finally started seeing things clearly."
Elara smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Then I'm glad."
He paused. "Elara… when Seraphina faced me that day, she showed more strength than I've ever had. I intend to be worthy of the title I bear — not for pride, but because I owe it to people like her… and you."
Elara blinked, touched by his honesty. "Then, I'll support you, Your Highness. Even if the world doubts you."
The prince smiled faintly. "Then I'll make sure not to fail."
---
By the time the evening bell rang, the academy was alive with chatter again.
At the nobles' dining hall, long tables gleamed with crystal dishes. Seraphina sat beside Lucien, calmly sipping tea while ignoring the weight of stares around her. Across the room, Adrian and Elara entered together — the prince conversing quietly, his posture still regal yet far less cold.
The sight stirred another wave of whispers.
"The prince and the common-born lady again…"
"Do you think the rumors are true?"
Seraphina's lips twitched. "Humans are so easily entertained."
Lucien grinned. "Says the woman who caused half those rumors."
"I prefer to think I inspire them."
Just then, Aria entered the hall — quiet but unmistakable, carrying an aura that drew attention even when she wished it didn't. When her gaze accidentally met Seraphina's, the duchess's daughter inclined her head ever so slightly.
Aria hesitated… then nodded back.
Lucien caught it, chuckling under his breath. "So it begins."
---
Later that night, when the halls had fallen silent, Seraphina stood by her dorm window. The moon painted silver light across her face.
Lucien lounged on the couch, reading a report he'd acquired — details of trade alliances between kingdoms.
"They'll start their evaluations soon," he said lazily. "Royal envoys, nobles, even foreign ambassadors will be watching us."
"Good," Seraphina replied. "Let them watch."
He glanced up. "You really don't fear anything, do you?"
Her eyes remained on the moon. "I've already lived through death once, Lucien. This world can't scare me."
Lucien smiled faintly. "Then I'll make sure it never dares to."
Outside, the wind carried the faint echo of laughter and song — the sound of youth and privilege, unaware that in their midst, the so-called villains were quietly rewriting their fates.
And perhaps, somewhere among those ripples of routine… something else had begun to bloom.